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In this Nov. 17, 2013, photo, Seattle Seahawks' Byron Maxwell, right, smiles as he joins Walter Thurmond after Thurmond's interception and touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFL football game in Seattle.(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
(Copyright 2014, The Associated Press)

"It was really uncalled for," Thurmond, a former Oregon Ducks standout, told reporters Wednesday. "The receiver ran right into the guy. I don't know the extent of the injury Talib had, but I thought we were supposed to protect football players in this league now. I guess not. I guess that only goes one way."

The NFL cleared Welker of any wrongdoing for his hit on the New England Patriots' cornerback that proved to be a key play in the Denver Broncos' 26-16 win on Sunday.

"It was a legal hit," NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino said on the NFL Network on Wednesday night.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick blasted Welker for the hit on Monday, calling it "one of the worst plays" he's seen in 39 years of coaching. Talib suffered a knee injury on the play and didn't return to the game. Belichick said in a radio interview Wednesday that he didn't believe the cornerback would have to undergo surgery, however.